In recognition of the holiday season, the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) is honoring leaders in the restaurant and foodservice industry. The TRA holds these leaders in high regard as they believe they embody the best qualities of the foodservice industry, including a service mindset, creativity, and resilience.
The Texas Restaurant Association, according to its website, is the leading business association for Texas' $95 billion foodservice industry. This sector includes 55,000 restaurants across the state and employs 1.4 million Texans, accounting for 11% of the state's employment.
According to a press release from TRA, several leaders were recognized for their dedication, passion, and commitment to serving others. These include Joshua Winters and Jeanie Smith from McDonalds in College Station; Nick & Sam's Steakhouse in Dallas; Culinary Arts Teaching Facility at Achieve Early College High School in McAllen; Marissita Garcia from Little Barn Steakhouse in San Antonio; and Bitty & Beau's Coffee in Waco.
Winters and Smith who are respectively supervisor and owner of the McDonald's franchise in College Station demonstrate opportunities for rapid career growth and entrepreneurship that are unique to this industry says the press release.
Nick & Sam's Steakhouse collaborates with Live To Give co-founder John Wayne Walding to provide five-star meals for veterans. Their generosity aims to highlight the power and healing that can be found when people gather around a table together.
This year saw Achieve Early College High School celebrating the opening of a new Culinary Arts Teaching Facility through partnerships and dedicated educators. The facility will serve students enrolled in both Career Technical Education program and STRIDES program.
Marissita Garcia operates Little Barn Steakhouse as a third-generation family member. Garcia collaborates with HOPES program to offer employment opportunities to individuals transitioning out of penal institutions. The goal of this initiative is to reduce recidivism rates while providing individuals with a fresh start towards independence.
Bitty & Beau's Coffee, with 18 shops across 11 states, was founded by Amy and Ben Wright. The couple was inspired to open the coffee shop after discovering that 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the U.S. are unemployed. As parents of four children, three of whom have intellectual and developmental disabilities, Amy and Ben sought to create opportunities for others facing similar challenges.
